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Description

Celebrate the essence of iconic sound and craftsmanship with the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC. This limited-edition electric guitar is a tribute to nine decades of pioneering excellence, capturing the heart of Rickenbacker's legendary tone and style. With its Hot Toaster pickups, the 480XC delivers the unmistakable jangle and warmth that have defined countless classic hits. Whether you're crafting shimmering pop melodies or driving rock anthems, these pickups offer a perfect blend of brightness and output, setting the stage for powerful performances.

Crafted from high-grade maple, the 480XC promises exceptional sustain and resonance. Its solid maple body is not only a visual stunner but also a tonal powerhouse, providing a bright, articulate sound that's quintessentially Rickenbacker. The neck-through construction enhances the guitar's sustain, while the Macassar ebony fingerboard ensures smooth playability and precise note articulation.

Aesthetically, the 480XC is a nod to vintage elegance with its checkerboard binding and crushed pearl triangle inlays. The Bakelite nut and Schaller hardware provide the reliability and stability demanded by professional musicians. Whether you're a seasoned Rickenbacker enthusiast or a newcomer eager to experience its rich heritage, the 480XC is more than just a guitar; it's a piece of musical history.

Key Features:

  • Limited-edition solidbody electric guitar celebrating Rickenbacker's 90th anniversary
  • Solid maple body for classic sustain and top-end shimmer
  • Hot Toaster pickups for bright, clear, and aggressive sound
  • Maple set neck with a 10-inch-radius Macassar ebony fingerboard
  • Gracefully molded Bakelite nut
  • Eye-catching checkerboard binding and crushed pearl triangle fretboard inlays
  • Robust Schaller hardware for reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 90th Anniversary 480XC
Year 2021
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Rickenbacker 480
Model Sub-Family Rickenbacker 480XC
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker Combo 400 Series

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC?

The Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC features a comfortable neck profile that is well-suited for fast playing styles, making it a great choice for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC pickups?

The Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, punchy tone with excellent clarity, ideal for jangle pop, rock, and other genres requiring clear articulation.

Is the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, offering features like a 24-fret rosewood fretboard and bolt-on maple neck, making it suitable for advanced players seeking a versatile and reliable instrument.

What is the body material of the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC?

The body of the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC is made from maple, which contributes to its bright tonal characteristics and sustain.

How does the Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC differ from other Rickenbacker models?

The Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC features a unique double cutaway design and specific anniversary features, setting it apart from other models in the Rickenbacker lineup, while maintaining the brand's signature sound and quality.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC and 4005XC | CME Gear Demo | Nathaniel Murphy & Mike Larsen

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC and 4005XC | CME Gear Demo | Nathaniel Murphy & Mike Larsen by Chicago Music Exchange

Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC and 4005XC | CME Gear Demo | Nathaniel Murphy & Mike Larsen

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 480XC  •  SN: 2134791 by Wildwood Guitars

Rickenbacker 480XC • SN: 2134791

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480 XC Review/Demo by Swing CIty Music

Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480 XC Review/Demo

Swing CIty Music

Swing CIty Music

Video thumbnail for Sims Music - Rickenbacker 480XC Tobacco Glow - Demo by Sims Music

Sims Music - Rickenbacker 480XC Tobacco Glow - Demo

Sims Music

Sims Music

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker/Limited Edition 90th Anniversary 480XC JG (Jetglo) #39715 *こちらのギターは販売済みです by 宮地楽器 Miyaji Guitars Kanda

Rickenbacker/Limited Edition 90th Anniversary 480XC JG (Jetglo) #39715 *こちらのギターは販売済みです

宮地楽器 Miyaji Guitars Kanda

宮地楽器 Miyaji Guitars Kanda

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC TobaccoGlo by 宮地楽器 Miyaji Guitars Kanda

Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC TobaccoGlo

宮地楽器 Miyaji Guitars Kanda

宮地楽器 Miyaji Guitars Kanda

Video thumbnail for 90th Anniversary Rickenbacker 480XC | Win this Guitar! by Northwest Guitars UK

90th Anniversary Rickenbacker 480XC | Win this Guitar!

Northwest Guitars UK

Northwest Guitars UK

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning TobaccoGlo finish turns heads

  • Coil tap switch provides versatile tonal options

  • Schaller bridge enhances tone, sustain, and playability

  • High-quality, unique design with checkerboard binding and crushed pearl inlays

  • Neck-through construction offers solid playability and sound

  • Hot toaster pickups blend classic Rickenbacker and humbucker tones

  • Excellent intonation with modern features

  • Versatile for various music styles

  • Great for recording with a rich sound

  • Exceptional craftsmanship and materials like solid maple and macassar ebony

CONS

  • Some units may have poor factory setup or misaligned components

  • Hot toaster pickups can be noisy and require tweaking

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 90th Anniversary 480XC.

Build quality

  • A user noted a chip in the neck epoxy, raising concerns about Rickenbacker's quality control despite the high price.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Schaller bridge and murdered out hardware are highlighted for adding to the guitar's aesthetic and functional appeal.

    Source
  • The bridge has been changed, which some users appreciate for enhancing playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the versatility and beauty of the pickups, which enhance the guitar's sound across various styles.

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  • The guitar's case is long, leading some to speculate a bass case was modified, though it's confirmed to be smaller than an actual bass case.

    Source
  • Some users dislike the glossy fretboard, which can affect playability for those not accustomed to it.

    Source
  • A seasoned owner sold a Gretsch Country Gentleman 12-string and a USA Jazzmaster, valuing the 480XC's uniqueness enough to make the trade without regret.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices vary significantly by region, with one user reporting nearly $6k USD in Japan, contrasting with lower prices elsewhere.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The action is set very low, providing a quick playability ideal for lead parts.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar pairs well with Laney amps, noted for their underrated sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user with an Ibanez knockoff of the 480 noted the familiarity of the XC neck-through design versus the original's bolt-on neck, highlighting a seamless transition.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Rickenbacker reveals limited-edition 90th anniversary 480XC and 4005XC models | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

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